About 10 years ago, when I finally decided to make a complete transition, in my commercial photography business, to digital, I began to close down my analog darkroom and color lab. At one point we decide to redecorate the showroom with large images of pervious commercial work and to create a new website and portfolio. So... there si was without a fully functional lab. I start to scan dozens of black and white negatives as well as color transparencies in 4x5 and 8x10 original formats.

At the time we had a HP Scan-Jet scanner, probably not as up to date technologically as more current units. Surprisingly enough, the results were excellent. Since we were planning very large final prints, we created the files accordingly and the scanning times were slow. The 8x10 transparencies had to be scanned in sections and laced together- kida tedious but nonetheless the final results exceeded my expectations. The 4x5 negatives were a piece of cake.

As for black and white negative processing in 4x5 format, a small tak should suffice nicely for low volume. For high volume, larger tanks with stainless steel hangers are advisable.

I am kind of a fusspot in my film processing. I find by observing very precise developing procedures, the quality increase is significent. I mix all my chemical with distilled or demineralized water. I maintain the temperatures at exactly 68 degrees F. in ALL the baths. I make certain that the stop bath is not too strong- mixed exactly according to proper dilutions. I use rapid fixer. Next is Hypo Clearing Agent for exactly the recommended time- NO OVER-IMMERSION! The was water is usually filtered and is kept to a minimum- exactly as required according to the instructions for the clearing agent. KEEPING THE WET TIME DOWN and maintaining exact temperatures negates minor reticulation and emulsion shock that kills qiality and exacerbates grain. Then 30 seconds in the wetting agent and NO FORCED HEAT DRYING! Throughout the process agitate gently for 5 seconds every 30 seconds or 10 seconds every minute. Do not do "martini-shaker" rough agitation! If you follow this method you 4x5 images will look that the came out of an 8x10 view camera! your medium format negatives will seem like 4x5 and so will your 35mm negs on fine gran slower films.

I am advised that Kodak HC110, T-Max and D-76 Developers are still available as well as Acufine- those were my personal favorites.